“During the weekend or on holidays, our days are all out of whack. So is my son! He gets out of sorts and I feel like I never get a break from the kitchen. What can I do about it?” Parent
If you’re finding it hard some days to get a flow to your day, you’re not alone. Weekends and holidays can be extra tricky times, but let’s be honest making and sticking to a mealtime routine any time can feel hard. Try these tips to help you get out of the kitchen and feeling more in control of your day:
- Offer your child food at similar times every day – whether it’s a weekday, weekend, or holiday. It may help to use similar times as childcare or school, or any other set times in their day. Try to stick to this routine as often as you can. It doesn’t matter if it’s not every day. Kids love routine as it helps them to feel safe. Having a break between meals is also better for their teeth and can help your child start to learn the difference between feeling hungry and full. Sticking to a routine when it comes to sleep also helps your day to flow well. Read more about sleep routines
- Stick to your feeding jobs. You are in charge of what food to offer and when, and it’s your child’s job to decide if they’ll eat and how much they’ll eat. If they don’t eat much at one meal, they can make up for it at the next meal if they’re hungry. Read more about the parent and carer role in feeding
- Sit down to eat. Whether it’s at a table or on a picnic rug, try to have sit down meals and snacks whenever you can. This let’s your child know that it’s a mealtime. If you’re not sure where to start with setting up family mealtimes, read more about eating together as a family
- Eat with your child (if you’re hungry). Be a positive role model by sitting down with your child for a meal or snack (or even just a cup of coffee). It can be a little break for you, and it can also help your child to eat better – a win-win. Read more about being a positive role model
- It’s OK to say “the kitchen is closed” between meals and snacks. You can offer water, but say no to food requests until the next meal or snack. This might give you a much needed break because offering food around the clock is very tiring. Read more about how to say no to food requests
- Use your child’s usual lunchbox and water bottle at home. Some parents find this works for their child. See if it works for your family.